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Virginia Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Virginia. Virginia also administers a state-funded preschool program — Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) — with additional requirements.

Virginia Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with VA DOE)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety
Regulatory code	8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq.
State-funded program	Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)

Virginia preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Virginia must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Virginia Department of Education under 8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq..

Virginia state-funded preschool: Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	—	3–5yr; verify complete group sizes vs 8VAC20-780-350 Table 1 (preschool ~18–20)
State-funded preschool (Virginia Preschool Initiative)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: 8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq., Virginia Department of Education. Always verify current ratios with VA DOE.

Virginia preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Virginia childcare center license require a director meeting Virginia Department of Education’s qualification standards under 8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq.. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Virginia must meet minimum education requirements set by Virginia Department of Education. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Virginia Department of Education for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Virginia-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Virginia

Private preschool programs in Virginia follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Virginia Department of Education:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Virginia Department of Education center license (private preschool) or Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Virginia Department of Education’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under 8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq..
For a state-funded preschool: contact VA Dept of Social Services (DSS) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Virginia Department of Education — Office of Child Care Health and Safety.
Official resource: https://doe.virginia.gov/childcare

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Frequently asked questions: Virginia preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Virginia need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Virginia that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Virginia Department of Education under 8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq.. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Virginia Department of Education for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Virginia preschool teacher need?

Virginia preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Virginia Department of Education under 8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq.. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Virginia Department of Education for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Virginia preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Virginia Department of Education in Virginia, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Virginia Preschool Initiative and who qualifies?

Yes — Virginia administers Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Virginia?

Kindergarten in Virginia is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Virginia Department of Education. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Virginia Department of Education under 8VAC20-780 (Standards for Licensed Child Day Centers); Code of Virginia §22.1-289.01 et seq. and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Virginia Department of Education for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Virginia Department of Education before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Virginia Childcare Center Requirements, Virginia Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Virginia Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Virginia Department of Education at https://doe.virginia.gov/childcare before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.